EDMONDS – Edmonds has a new parks director, and he has a familiar face.
Brian McIntosh, a 20-year veteran of the city’s parks department, was selected Monday by Mayor Gary Haakenson to officially take over the position of director.
McIntosh has been with the department for 20 years, recently serving as interim director. He was the assistant director before being temporarily appointed to the head position.
He follows the highly regarded Arvilla Ohlde, who served for 14 years as director before retiring in March.
A search for a new director took five months, in which about three dozen applicants from around the nation were narrowed down to eight or nine who were interviewed, Haakenson said.
Interviews were done by a team of city officials and by Haakenson alone.
“Better to be slow and careful rather than hasty,” McIntosh said.
McIntosh, 53, started with the department in 1984 and served as recreation coordinator, supervisor and manager before being named assistant director four years ago.
In that position, McIntosh served as a liaison with school districts, private clubs and service organizations, and was actively involved with the Sister City Commission.
“He has the institutional experience and history with the city,” Haakenson said. “He knows the system inside and out. He’s put in his time and he deserves the opportunity to show what he can do.”
The decision was a difficult one between McIntosh and the other finalist, from Mount Vernon, Haakenson said. In the end, McIntosh’s experience with the city was the difference, he said.
“It’s great to be able to promote from within,” Haakenson said.
McIntosh said he has no grand new plans.
“We’ve got a great department,” he said. “My goal is to keep it going in the right direction.”
McIntosh will be responsible for 25 full-time and part-time staff as well as 60 seasonal employees and 50 youth volunteers.
His appointment will require confirmation by the City Council but is effective immediately, Haakenson said. His salary will be the same as it has been during his time as assistant director, $91,445, which Haakenson said is at the bottom of the scale for the position.
Reporter Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439 or sheets@heraldnet.com.
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